Thursday, August 26, 2010
Ulrich Joins Summer Service Students at MS 210
The Cross Island YMCA Beacon Center provides these students with an outlet to express their creativity and continue learning outside the classroom,” said Ulrich. “So many of our young people really want to make a difference but sometimes they just don’t know how. I am so glad to see that so many are taking advantage of this opportunity.”
This summer’s project ended with fun day activities and the painting of a community art mural on the school building on August 13. Over the prior five weeks, the teens explored and conducted workshops to educate other youth about the impact of bullying, cyber-bullying, teen dating violence and gang violence, as well as ways to combat these types of violence.
From design to completion, the project was led by the teens, their good work expected to continue throughout the school year at ongoing workshops at the Beacon Center’s After-School program and other local youth programs.
The project was part of the City’s Department of Youth and Community Development’s Summer of Service initiative, in partnership with NYC Service and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. It was funded through a donation from the Neuberger Berman Foundation.
New Floor at Divine Mercy
The project was initiated by Council Member Eric Ulrich and coordinated by Warren Hutchinson, Local 2287, who served as the foreman on the job. Twenty-one members of both Local 2287 Floorcovers Union and the New York City District Council of Carpenters helped to install the new flooring at the school.
“It worked out great,” Hutchinson said. “Everyone was glad to work on this charity project and we completed the installation very quickly as a team.”
“I am truly grateful for the helping hands the New York District Council of Carpenters and INSTALL extended to Divine Mercy Catholic Academy. These volunteers are the most dedicated and skilled floor coverers in the city. Thanks to them, students within the school will not only continue to reap the benefits of a quality education, but also enjoy learning in the newly renovated classrooms,” said Council Member Ulrich.
The Divine Mercy Catholic Academy is the combination of Nativity BVM and St. Stanislaus BM Schools for Kindergarten through Grade 8 classes.
Livery Cab Driver Arrested in Ozone Park Murder
Two men were arrested and charged for the murder and robbery of Ramarin Matadin, a Brooklyn man who was killed in Ozone Park last Tuesday.
Deevan Jagmarine, 21, a livery cab driver from Jamaica, and Alex Gobardham, 19, from Ozone Park were charged second-de- gree murder, first-degree robbery, second- degree robbery and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. If convicted, they face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
According to police, the cab driver confessed that he picked up the victim and his brother at the Golden Arrow Bar on 101st Avenue in Ozone Park. The brother wanted to stop by his own house to get some clothes because he was spending the night at the victim’s house but when he got out of the car, the cab driver left with the victim.
The driver then allegedly called a friend to say he had an easy mark with a roll of cash in the car who was intoxicated. He then went to pick up the friend and they drove to a dead-end on Arion Road, where a struggle ensued.
According to reports, the defendants allegedly punched the victim in the face and robbed him of his cell phone, wallet and a gold bracelet. The cause of death has been determined to be cardiac arithmic and blunt trauma of the head.
Police reportedly found a gold bracelet in Jagnarine’s home and a cell phone in Gobardhan’s home.
“This is a disturbing case that ended with the death of an innocent man,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “These defendants now face lengthy prison terms if convicted of this senseless crime.”
Deevan Jagmarine, 21, a livery cab driver from Jamaica, and Alex Gobardham, 19, from Ozone Park were charged second-de- gree murder, first-degree robbery, second- degree robbery and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property. If convicted, they face a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
According to police, the cab driver confessed that he picked up the victim and his brother at the Golden Arrow Bar on 101st Avenue in Ozone Park. The brother wanted to stop by his own house to get some clothes because he was spending the night at the victim’s house but when he got out of the car, the cab driver left with the victim.
The driver then allegedly called a friend to say he had an easy mark with a roll of cash in the car who was intoxicated. He then went to pick up the friend and they drove to a dead-end on Arion Road, where a struggle ensued.
According to reports, the defendants allegedly punched the victim in the face and robbed him of his cell phone, wallet and a gold bracelet. The cause of death has been determined to be cardiac arithmic and blunt trauma of the head.
Police reportedly found a gold bracelet in Jagnarine’s home and a cell phone in Gobardhan’s home.
“This is a disturbing case that ended with the death of an innocent man,” said Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. “These defendants now face lengthy prison terms if convicted of this senseless crime.”
Addabbo Hosts Voting Machine Demo
State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, is sponsoring a series of free town hall meetings for voting machine demonstrations around his district to help familiarize Queens voters with the introduction of the new optical scan voting machines in the primary elections next month. When voters show up at their polling place on September 14 Primary Day and the November 2 General Election, instead of the old mechanical lever machines, they’ll now mark their votes on a paper ballot that is run through a scanner to be recorded. Senator Addabbo arranged for the NYC Board of Elections to conduct open public demonstrations of the new system, using the scanner and ballot marking device, with the first in his series on Tuesday, August 31 at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters, 78-15 Jamaica Avenue, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Senator Addabbo and his Elections Committee have worked through many public hearings on the testing and performance of the new machines in a pilot program throughout the state. The change is a result of the federal Help America Vote Act, which mandated that voters in New York State must have new voting machines this year. The new system electronically records a vote from a paper ballot that a voter marks.
“As we prepare for this change, I want to assure all voters that their votes will be counted accurately and will work toward ensuring the reliability of the new voting machines,” said Addabbo.
For more information, please call Senator Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office, 718-738-1111 or his Middle Village satellite district office, 718-497-1630.
Senator Addabbo and his Elections Committee have worked through many public hearings on the testing and performance of the new machines in a pilot program throughout the state. The change is a result of the federal Help America Vote Act, which mandated that voters in New York State must have new voting machines this year. The new system electronically records a vote from a paper ballot that a voter marks.
“As we prepare for this change, I want to assure all voters that their votes will be counted accurately and will work toward ensuring the reliability of the new voting machines,” said Addabbo.
For more information, please call Senator Addabbo’s Howard Beach district office, 718-738-1111 or his Middle Village satellite district office, 718-497-1630.
Low Compliance Rate Among City Supermarkets
Half of the city’s supermarkets are scamming customers. That was the finding of the New York City Department of Con- sumer Affairs (DCA), which inspected 700 supermarkets across all the five boroughs and found only 48 percent complied with DCA rules.
The DCA conducted 983 inspections throughout the course of this year and issued 516 violations. The non-compliant supermarkets could face fines more than $380,000.
There are several DCA guidelines supermarkets must follow. Scales, with a DCA seal, must be available within 30 feet of prepackaged food areas. Unit or item pricing must be visible, either on the item or as a tag on the shelf, but there are certain exceptions for items like snack foods and fresh produce.
The DCA found the majority of violations occurred when items did not have proper price tags. Supermarkets were also penalized for inaccurate prices at checkout scanners, taxation of non-taxable items and improper weighing and unavailability of scales for customers, according to the DCA press release.
DCA Commissioner Jonathan Mintz is adamant that these violations stop, and consumers receive the protection they deserve. “It is a supermarket’s responsibility to ensure that its products are accurately priced and its customers are correctly charged,” he said, “But with half the supermarkets in the City receiving violations, it is clear that they are failing their cus- tomers.”
Mintz promised to double the number of inspections in supermarkets next year.
The DCA conducted 983 inspections throughout the course of this year and issued 516 violations. The non-compliant supermarkets could face fines more than $380,000.
There are several DCA guidelines supermarkets must follow. Scales, with a DCA seal, must be available within 30 feet of prepackaged food areas. Unit or item pricing must be visible, either on the item or as a tag on the shelf, but there are certain exceptions for items like snack foods and fresh produce.
The DCA found the majority of violations occurred when items did not have proper price tags. Supermarkets were also penalized for inaccurate prices at checkout scanners, taxation of non-taxable items and improper weighing and unavailability of scales for customers, according to the DCA press release.
DCA Commissioner Jonathan Mintz is adamant that these violations stop, and consumers receive the protection they deserve. “It is a supermarket’s responsibility to ensure that its products are accurately priced and its customers are correctly charged,” he said, “But with half the supermarkets in the City receiving violations, it is clear that they are failing their cus- tomers.”
Mintz promised to double the number of inspections in supermarkets next year.
DOT Truck Strikes Pedestrian
According to reports, 83-year-old Giovanno Casale was in the crosswalk when the truck, which was making a left turn off Grand Avenue, hit him. He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center with bumps and bruises.
The man was struck while walking in the crosswalk, but no charges or summones were filed against the driver.
A DOT official said the department will review the matter and offered no other comment.
Judge: Seminerio Remains Jailed
Former state Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio’s attempt to leave prison was rejected by Manhattan federal Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.
Seminerio, who represented the Assembly’s 38th District, which includes Woodhaven, Glendale, Ozone Park and Richmond Hill, for more than 30 years, was sentenced in February to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty last year to theft of honest services for accepting money from companies through a consulting firm he operated from his home.
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D- Woodhaven) replaced Seminerio after he resigned when allegations of the scandal arose.
Seminerio petitioned the courts to free him from jail as he appealed his corruption conviction. According to the New York Post, Judge Buchwald said Seminerio “was unlikely to win a reversal of his guilty plea.”
Seminerio, who represented the Assembly’s 38th District, which includes Woodhaven, Glendale, Ozone Park and Richmond Hill, for more than 30 years, was sentenced in February to six years in prison. He pleaded guilty last year to theft of honest services for accepting money from companies through a consulting firm he operated from his home.
Assemblyman Mike Miller (D- Woodhaven) replaced Seminerio after he resigned when allegations of the scandal arose.
Seminerio petitioned the courts to free him from jail as he appealed his corruption conviction. According to the New York Post, Judge Buchwald said Seminerio “was unlikely to win a reversal of his guilty plea.”
Vehicle Etching at Forest Park a Huge Success
Area residents drove more than 100 vehicles to Forest Park last Saturday to participate in an anti-auto theft Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Etching event sponsored by local elected officials.
The process is a technique which is used to deter car thieves by making a car less appealing to steal. It involves etching the VIN into the windows of the car, making the car easier to identify and making it harder to take the car apart and sell it for parts. In addition to deterring thieves, VIN etching can also aid in vehicle recovery.
State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), Assemblyman Mike Miller (D- Woodhaven) and Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) co-sponsored the etching held at the Seuffert Bandshell and partnered with the 102 pct in order to offer the community a powerful tool in combating the continuing rise in auto theft throughout neighborhood precincts.
All vehicles got their VIN number etched on the glass of car windows, with those vehicles also receiving eligibility for auto insurance discounts as a result of their participation in the program.
“Perhaps as a result of the difficult recession, there has been a spike in auto thefts in our communities once again,” said Sen. Addabbo. “I urge residents to take advantage of opportunities like this because they offer a much better chance to recover your car if it is stolen.”
Recent NYPD statistics show that auto theft is up in several local precincts. The 102nd Precinct has reported 165 car thefts so far this year, a 19 percent increase from last year’s 138. The 104th Precinct has already had 239 car thefts, up 35 percent from last year’s 177. The news is slightly better in the 106th Precinct, where 175 vehicles have been stolen, up 3 percent from last year’s 169 thefts, and in the 112th Precinct, which has reported 61 thefts, up just one from last year.
Additionally, Addabbo said that some precincts did not have updated equipment to perform the etchings and that he would be looking into measures to provide funding for all area precincts to be fitted with updated equipment used in the etching process.
More events will be scheduled for etching sessions in the future. All those interested in
upcoming dates can contact the office of Crowley at (718) 366 3900 or by visiting 64- 77 Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village.
The process is a technique which is used to deter car thieves by making a car less appealing to steal. It involves etching the VIN into the windows of the car, making the car easier to identify and making it harder to take the car apart and sell it for parts. In addition to deterring thieves, VIN etching can also aid in vehicle recovery.
State Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), Assemblyman Mike Miller (D- Woodhaven) and Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) co-sponsored the etching held at the Seuffert Bandshell and partnered with the 102 pct in order to offer the community a powerful tool in combating the continuing rise in auto theft throughout neighborhood precincts.
All vehicles got their VIN number etched on the glass of car windows, with those vehicles also receiving eligibility for auto insurance discounts as a result of their participation in the program.
“Perhaps as a result of the difficult recession, there has been a spike in auto thefts in our communities once again,” said Sen. Addabbo. “I urge residents to take advantage of opportunities like this because they offer a much better chance to recover your car if it is stolen.”
Recent NYPD statistics show that auto theft is up in several local precincts. The 102nd Precinct has reported 165 car thefts so far this year, a 19 percent increase from last year’s 138. The 104th Precinct has already had 239 car thefts, up 35 percent from last year’s 177. The news is slightly better in the 106th Precinct, where 175 vehicles have been stolen, up 3 percent from last year’s 169 thefts, and in the 112th Precinct, which has reported 61 thefts, up just one from last year.
Additionally, Addabbo said that some precincts did not have updated equipment to perform the etchings and that he would be looking into measures to provide funding for all area precincts to be fitted with updated equipment used in the etching process.
More events will be scheduled for etching sessions in the future. All those interested in
upcoming dates can contact the office of Crowley at (718) 366 3900 or by visiting 64- 77 Dry Harbor Road in Middle Village.
Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal Opens to Riders
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| MTA NYC President Thomas Prendergast at the opening ceremony with elected officials. |
A confusing mess of bus and subway transfers at the Myrtle/Wykoff subway stop, which serves the L and M lines, was improved last Friday. Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) officials and local politicians held a press conference introducing the new Ridgewood Intermodal Terminal.
Previously, the Q55, Q58, B13, B26, B52 and B54 busses all made stops in various locations near the station, which caused confusion among riders. Now all busses will stop at the new terminal, which is on Palmetto Street north of Myrtle Avenue, making transfers to the L/M subway lines and other busses simpler.
There were also cosmetic changes made to the area to make riders more comfortable. A canopy was erected under the elevated tracks to shield waiting customers from the elements and new benches and lighting were installed.
“This facility creates a much improved transfer point, making it easier for our customers to transfer between our bus and subway services,” said Thomas Prendergast, NYC Transit President.
Residents of Ridgewood have clamored for improved bus service for many years. Ted Renz, executive director of Myrtle Avenue Business Improvement District, has been working with the MTA and community activists to make transit options in Ridgewood better. “I’m glad it was finally completed. It will make transfers to bus and subways more convenient,” he said.
Gary Giordano, District Manager of Community Board 5, said the new benches, canopy and sidewalk repaired will make trips more comfortable for the community’s riders. He believes the MTA could make some more changes to make bus rides better. Giordano wants a system in place where bus dispatchers alert bus drivers to wait at the station because a train is coming. This will help riders from being stranded, especially at night, waiting for the next bus.
Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan (D-Ridge- wood) helped fund the terminal with $4 million dollars from the state’s capital reserve fund. Rep. Nydia Valázquez (D-Bushwich)also allocated $485,000 of federal funds.
Nolan said the new terminal will “benefit our Ridgewood community,” and she fought hard to secure funding because she believes “mass transit is the economic and environmental lifeblood of our city.”
Valázquez added, “Residents of Ridgewood deserve reliable and effective transportation.” She also believes the bus terminal will help bring more visitors to the neighborhood.
Renz hopes the new intermodal terminal will bring visitors and businesses. “We believe it will be a catalyst for private development,” he said. A simple and clean transportation hub in Ridgewood increases the possibility that business and residential development could occur around the new terminal.
Votes Still Needed for Trash Train Legislation
By Eric Yun
Trains hauling garbage through the neighborhood emit nauseating odors that have residents demanding action. In response, state Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) have introduced a number of bills targeting these noxious “stink trains.”
Residents have been complaining for the past year about idling trains and the smell from trains transporting trash through the neighborhood. Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions (CURES) have been pushing to curb idling trains, noise and security in Middle Village and Glendale. As a result of the community’s concerns, Addabbo and Hevesi have sponsored four bills aimed at eliminating the odor.
Bill S7153/A10176 creates new guidelines for waste trains at New York transfer stations. The bill would require waste trains to have hard lids or tarps to prevent odors and spills that might occur. The Environmental Conservation Committee voted 13-0 in favor of the bill, and the Rules Committee passed the bill 22-1.
Similarly, Bill S7591/A10819 would call for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to require trains hauling trash to install hard lids or tarps. The MTA leases their railways to companies to haul waste. Bill S7591/A10819 passed the Senate Rules committee 21-2.
Both bills are being held as Addabbo and Hevesi work to get the votes needed to pass a full vote.
One person who appears to be the biggest critic of the bills is Senior Assistant Majority Leader and Transportation Committee Chairperson Martin Malavé Dilan (D- Brooklyn). Dilan was the only nay vote on Bill S7153 and one of the two nay votes on S7591 committees.
A cursory look at Dilan’s campaign finance reports reveals he has received numerous donations from railroad companies in the last two years. CSX, one of the companies that transport waste through the area, donated $600 last year.
A spokesman for Senator Dilan’s legislative office explained to The Forum that the bills are a duplication of industry standards that are already in place. Companies generally use mesh netting for non-putrescible waste and hard caps for putrescible waste. He also explained adding hard tarping to non-putrescible waste can lead to breaking debris that destroys hard tarping.
Furthermore, Dilan’s office contends that waste haul through railroads is necessary. One railcar transporting trash replaces hundreds of garbage trucks travelling through the city. They added the legislation would be an unnecessary burden for rail companies, as it would add roughly $1.20 per ton of trash to install hard caps.
Two other bills dealing with waste trains have also been introduced. Bill S7595/A10820 provides provisions for railcar companies to reimburse neighborhoods in the event of a spill or disaster. Bill S7261/A10396 increases civil penalties for rail companies that do not follow current environmental laws.
Trains hauling garbage through the neighborhood emit nauseating odors that have residents demanding action. In response, state Senator Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach) and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills) have introduced a number of bills targeting these noxious “stink trains.”
Residents have been complaining for the past year about idling trains and the smell from trains transporting trash through the neighborhood. Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions (CURES) have been pushing to curb idling trains, noise and security in Middle Village and Glendale. As a result of the community’s concerns, Addabbo and Hevesi have sponsored four bills aimed at eliminating the odor.
Bill S7153/A10176 creates new guidelines for waste trains at New York transfer stations. The bill would require waste trains to have hard lids or tarps to prevent odors and spills that might occur. The Environmental Conservation Committee voted 13-0 in favor of the bill, and the Rules Committee passed the bill 22-1.
Similarly, Bill S7591/A10819 would call for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to require trains hauling trash to install hard lids or tarps. The MTA leases their railways to companies to haul waste. Bill S7591/A10819 passed the Senate Rules committee 21-2.
Both bills are being held as Addabbo and Hevesi work to get the votes needed to pass a full vote.
One person who appears to be the biggest critic of the bills is Senior Assistant Majority Leader and Transportation Committee Chairperson Martin Malavé Dilan (D- Brooklyn). Dilan was the only nay vote on Bill S7153 and one of the two nay votes on S7591 committees.
A cursory look at Dilan’s campaign finance reports reveals he has received numerous donations from railroad companies in the last two years. CSX, one of the companies that transport waste through the area, donated $600 last year.
A spokesman for Senator Dilan’s legislative office explained to The Forum that the bills are a duplication of industry standards that are already in place. Companies generally use mesh netting for non-putrescible waste and hard caps for putrescible waste. He also explained adding hard tarping to non-putrescible waste can lead to breaking debris that destroys hard tarping.
Furthermore, Dilan’s office contends that waste haul through railroads is necessary. One railcar transporting trash replaces hundreds of garbage trucks travelling through the city. They added the legislation would be an unnecessary burden for rail companies, as it would add roughly $1.20 per ton of trash to install hard caps.
Two other bills dealing with waste trains have also been introduced. Bill S7595/A10820 provides provisions for railcar companies to reimburse neighborhoods in the event of a spill or disaster. Bill S7261/A10396 increases civil penalties for rail companies that do not follow current environmental laws.
Work Begins on Kew Gardens Interchange Upgrades
Drivers on the Kew Gardens Interchange can expect more delays, but eventually, the congestion and confu- sion on one of Queens’ busiest stretch of roads will be alleviated. The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) held a ground breaking ceremony for their new $148 million re- construction project last Wednesday.
The interchange is a traffic and safety nightmare for drivers: the Van Wyck Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, Jackie Robinson Parkway, Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike all meet at the interchange.
“The Kew Gardens Interchange is one of the most tangled knots of congestion in all of New York City, impacting the economy of the city and affecting the quality of life of all Queens residents,” said NYSDOT Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee. “Under the leadership of Governor David Paterson, the New York State Department of Transportation has worked with elected officials and community members to develop a plan that will untangle the knots, providing a smooth, safe flow of commuters and commerce in Queens.”
The reconstruction, expected to last five years, involves adding auxiliary lanes to the Van Wyck Expressway to ease traffic between Union Turnpike and Hillside Avenue. Work will also be done on a quarter-mile stretch of Queens Boulevard over the Van Wyck Expressway. Aging bridges will also be replaced, and three pedestrian plazas will be built along Queens Boulevard and the entrance to the Briarwood/Van Wyck Boulevard subway station will be renovated.
Local politicians applauded the NYS- DOT for beginning work on the project.
“At long last, motorists will finally have easier access to the roadways that take you to the different parts of Queens,” said Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills). “As I look out my of- fice window, everyday I see the entan- glement and backup that the interchange creates. The improvements to the interchange will be a welcome relief.”
Besides making roadways safer for drivers, the construction will provide jobs for the community.
NYSDOT has future plans to improve the Van Wyck Expressway north of Jewel Avenue, and sections of Grand Central Parkway and Jackie Robinson Parkway.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
City DOT Unveils Study on Pedestrian Fatalities
Officials Aim to Cut Number in Half
By Eric Yun
Walking across city streets can be a deadly experience. In 2009, there were 256 traffic fatalities in the five boroughs. In response, the Department of Transportation (DOT) this week unveiled the results of recently completed a landmark study examining pedestrian accidents.
Introducing the study, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan notes New York City is one of the safest cities in the world for pedestrians. “New York’s streets are far safer than any other big city in this country. Our traffic fatality rates are more on par with world class cities such as London, Paris or Berlin,” she said.
Mayor Bloomberg and Sadik-Khan held a press conference announcing the results of the study on Monday at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street.
The DOT study, which examined data from 2005 to 2009, found that pedestrians account for 52% of traffic fatalities. The highest incidence of pedestrian crashes involve vehicles that fail to yield: the study found many instances of pedestrians who have a green light and are struck by vehicles making left turns.
Gary Giordano, District Manager of Community Board 5, has seen these problems firsthand. He believes one of the best ways to prevent crashes is “to give pedestrians the right of way.” Giordano is tired of seeing cars cut in front of pedestrians trying to cross streets.
Other highlights of the study include the fact that 80% of the crashes that kill or seriously injure a pedestrian involve male drivers, and driver inattention was the reason for 36% of crashes resulting in pedestrian death or serious injury.
In Queens, pedestrian safety has been a major issue for residents. Queens Boulevard has long been known as the Boulevard of Death, with fatal accidents continuing to occur along the busy stretch, despite safety improvement over the past decade.
In a study released earlier this month, the New York Daily News found crossing times were too short for slower walkers such as senior citizens or parents crossing with children. The report found the crossing time at Queens Boulevard and 51st Avenue was 43 seconds, but approximately 96 seconds are needed. Similarly, Cross Bay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue has a crossing time of 35 seconds, but 53 seconds are needed to safety cross.
One way the city is attempting to make crossing streets safer is the installation of 1,500 countdown clocks at busy intersections. Areas where these countdown clocks will appear include along Queens Boulevard at both 71st Avenue and 108th Street, Woodhaven Boulevard from Queens Boulevard to Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue from 157th Street to 168 Place.
Increasing pedestrian safety has been a major issue for local communities, and the news of countdown clocks were met with enthusiasm. “I could go back 15 years and pull letters asking for something to be done,” said Mary Ann Carey, District Manager of Community Board 9. She believes installing these clocks is an “excellent idea.”
“Anything to make conditions safer for pedestrians, I’m all for,” Giordano said about the countdown clocks. However, he feels much more should be done. “Pedestrians are less safe than ever,” he said. One of the biggest issues, according to Giordano is people do not realize the city speed limit is 30 miles per hour. Educating city drivers on the speed limit was discussed in the DOT study.
Another major way the city plans to curb pedestrian deaths include safety modifications along 60 miles of streets per year. These modifications will include installing pedestrian refuge islands, lane reconfigurations and signal timing modifications.
By Eric Yun
Walking across city streets can be a deadly experience. In 2009, there were 256 traffic fatalities in the five boroughs. In response, the Department of Transportation (DOT) this week unveiled the results of recently completed a landmark study examining pedestrian accidents.
Introducing the study, DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan notes New York City is one of the safest cities in the world for pedestrians. “New York’s streets are far safer than any other big city in this country. Our traffic fatality rates are more on par with world class cities such as London, Paris or Berlin,” she said.
Mayor Bloomberg and Sadik-Khan held a press conference announcing the results of the study on Monday at the intersection of Northern Boulevard and 108th Street.
The DOT study, which examined data from 2005 to 2009, found that pedestrians account for 52% of traffic fatalities. The highest incidence of pedestrian crashes involve vehicles that fail to yield: the study found many instances of pedestrians who have a green light and are struck by vehicles making left turns.
Gary Giordano, District Manager of Community Board 5, has seen these problems firsthand. He believes one of the best ways to prevent crashes is “to give pedestrians the right of way.” Giordano is tired of seeing cars cut in front of pedestrians trying to cross streets.
Other highlights of the study include the fact that 80% of the crashes that kill or seriously injure a pedestrian involve male drivers, and driver inattention was the reason for 36% of crashes resulting in pedestrian death or serious injury.
In Queens, pedestrian safety has been a major issue for residents. Queens Boulevard has long been known as the Boulevard of Death, with fatal accidents continuing to occur along the busy stretch, despite safety improvement over the past decade.
In a study released earlier this month, the New York Daily News found crossing times were too short for slower walkers such as senior citizens or parents crossing with children. The report found the crossing time at Queens Boulevard and 51st Avenue was 43 seconds, but approximately 96 seconds are needed. Similarly, Cross Bay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue has a crossing time of 35 seconds, but 53 seconds are needed to safety cross.
One way the city is attempting to make crossing streets safer is the installation of 1,500 countdown clocks at busy intersections. Areas where these countdown clocks will appear include along Queens Boulevard at both 71st Avenue and 108th Street, Woodhaven Boulevard from Queens Boulevard to Rockaway Boulevard and Liberty Avenue from 157th Street to 168 Place.
Increasing pedestrian safety has been a major issue for local communities, and the news of countdown clocks were met with enthusiasm. “I could go back 15 years and pull letters asking for something to be done,” said Mary Ann Carey, District Manager of Community Board 9. She believes installing these clocks is an “excellent idea.”
“Anything to make conditions safer for pedestrians, I’m all for,” Giordano said about the countdown clocks. However, he feels much more should be done. “Pedestrians are less safe than ever,” he said. One of the biggest issues, according to Giordano is people do not realize the city speed limit is 30 miles per hour. Educating city drivers on the speed limit was discussed in the DOT study.
Another major way the city plans to curb pedestrian deaths include safety modifications along 60 miles of streets per year. These modifications will include installing pedestrian refuge islands, lane reconfigurations and signal timing modifications.
Pols Push for Banking Reforms to Stem Foreclosures
By Eric Yun
With foreclosures still on the rise—-the Associated Press reported last week that 1 in 400 homes are in foreclosure nationwide—New York City Comptroller John Liu and other city politicians are urging banks to reform the loan modification process.
In July, Liu and leaders of city unions sent a letter to Bank of America, Citibank, HSBC Bank, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo urging the financial institutions to take better care of their customers. “When the interests of lenders and borrowers are not properly aligned, there is a lack of incentives to take action, leading to a climate of inferior customer service,” they wrote.
Now, other local elected officials are making sure the banks received the message. Last
week a letter signed by 24 Council Members, 33 Assembly Members and 12 State Senators was sent to the banks demanding change.
Foreclosures are up 16.3% in New York City from last year, and the city’s elected officials believe banks are not doing all they can to bring those numbers down.
“Unfortunately, many New Yorkers can’t get the help they need. A number of them have voiced their frustration and disillusionment with your current modification process,” they wrote. “They have complained about unreturned phone calls, lost paper work and seemingly endless bureaucratic runarounds. Such practices are unfair and unacceptable.”
Liu believes this is an important issue that can help thousands of New Yorkers at risk
for foreclosures. “Reforming the loan modification process means that more families may be able to stay in their homes,” said Liu. “It is in everyone’s best interest to stem the tide of foreclosures. That’s why we have called on the City’s largest banks to report back to my office by September 1 with specific details about what they are doing to combat the high foreclosure rate in New York City.”
The letter sent to the bank included many local elected officials. Some of the local politicians who signed the letter include As- semblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Wood- haven), City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and State Sena- tor Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach).
Addabbo noted that there are many foreclosure victims in his district, and he is doing everything he can to help. “I intend to do whatever I can to assist and protect my constituents from falling prey to this unfortu- nate financial situation,” he said.
“It is vital that the loan modification process to avoid foreclosures is accessible to New Yorkers,” Pheffer said in a statement. “It should be the first priority for all those involved, including the banking industry, to help people keep their homes.”
Koslowitz offered similar comments: “Often times, at no fault of their own, homeowners have been hurt by the policies of financial institutions that only care about their own bottom line. I firmly believe that we in government must do all that we can to support struggling homeowners as we slowly emerge from these hard times.”
With foreclosures still on the rise—-the Associated Press reported last week that 1 in 400 homes are in foreclosure nationwide—New York City Comptroller John Liu and other city politicians are urging banks to reform the loan modification process.
In July, Liu and leaders of city unions sent a letter to Bank of America, Citibank, HSBC Bank, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo urging the financial institutions to take better care of their customers. “When the interests of lenders and borrowers are not properly aligned, there is a lack of incentives to take action, leading to a climate of inferior customer service,” they wrote.
Now, other local elected officials are making sure the banks received the message. Last
week a letter signed by 24 Council Members, 33 Assembly Members and 12 State Senators was sent to the banks demanding change.
Foreclosures are up 16.3% in New York City from last year, and the city’s elected officials believe banks are not doing all they can to bring those numbers down.
“Unfortunately, many New Yorkers can’t get the help they need. A number of them have voiced their frustration and disillusionment with your current modification process,” they wrote. “They have complained about unreturned phone calls, lost paper work and seemingly endless bureaucratic runarounds. Such practices are unfair and unacceptable.”
Liu believes this is an important issue that can help thousands of New Yorkers at risk
for foreclosures. “Reforming the loan modification process means that more families may be able to stay in their homes,” said Liu. “It is in everyone’s best interest to stem the tide of foreclosures. That’s why we have called on the City’s largest banks to report back to my office by September 1 with specific details about what they are doing to combat the high foreclosure rate in New York City.”
The letter sent to the bank included many local elected officials. Some of the local politicians who signed the letter include As- semblywoman Audrey Pheffer (D-Ozone Park), Assemblyman Mike Miller (D-Wood- haven), City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) and State Sena- tor Joseph Addabbo (D-Howard Beach).
Addabbo noted that there are many foreclosure victims in his district, and he is doing everything he can to help. “I intend to do whatever I can to assist and protect my constituents from falling prey to this unfortu- nate financial situation,” he said.
“It is vital that the loan modification process to avoid foreclosures is accessible to New Yorkers,” Pheffer said in a statement. “It should be the first priority for all those involved, including the banking industry, to help people keep their homes.”
Koslowitz offered similar comments: “Often times, at no fault of their own, homeowners have been hurt by the policies of financial institutions that only care about their own bottom line. I firmly believe that we in government must do all that we can to support struggling homeowners as we slowly emerge from these hard times.”
Man Found Dead in Ozone Park
By Patricia Adams
A homicide investigation is underway into the death of 58-year-old Brooklyn man whose lifeless body was found in front of 89-12 Arion Road in Ozone Park early Tuesday morning.
The last time Ramnarin Matadin, a naturalized citizen from Guyana, was seen alive was when he left the Golden Arrow Sports Bar at 107-14 101st Avenue after a bartender called a livery cab for him late Monday evening.
Police from the 106th Precinct say the victim was found unconscious after 1 a.m. following a 911 call reporting a man lying on the ground. Emergency Medical Services took him to Jamaica Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. He had been bludgeoned about the head and face and had multiple lacerations on his hands and arms.
Matadin’s daughter and other family members paid a visit to the scene where three candles had been placed on the bloody pavement where he was found. They spoke of him as a good man with no enemies. Most voiced their opinions that he had been robbed.
Neighbors who gathered outside their homes say that although this is a quiet, good neighborhood they all have concerns with the shadowy and dark dead end at Arion Road. Joe L. has lived on the block for the last 24 years. “Many people call the cops about the kids hanging out on the street. It’s so dark there anything could happen,” he said, “look what’s happened now.”
Another neighbor, Carmela Strika, echoed the same concerns. “This is very scary. I was in my house with the A/C on so you can’t hear anything. The other problem is that it is so dark there -- very, very dark.”
Police are unsure yet as to whether Matadin was killed at the scene or if his body was dumped there. They are hoping to get more definitive information from videotape surveillance from neighbor’s cameras. One motive being considered is robbery--his family says the dead man’s jewelry and wallet were stolen.
On Wednesday a police source confirmed that two men have been charged in the murder. A published report identified the suspects as 21-year-old Deevan Jagnarine and 19-year-old Alex Gobardhan.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stopper Hotline at 1.800.577.TIPS or visit nypd- crimestoppers.com
Korean War Memorial and Flagpole Unveiled
The ceremony was conducted by the American Legion Post 1404, the Friends of Charles Park Committee and the National Park Service.
Community activists and residents have anticipated the installation of the both the flagpole and the memorial. In addition to residents on hand, both Sen. Joseph Addabbo and Assemblywoman Audrey Pheffer were on hand to present proclamations to the families of those honored at the memorial and to organizers of the project.
The occasion was punctuated by the return from Afghanistan of Sgt. Sean McCabe of the United States Army, from his second tour.
All are encouraged to visit the new memorial at the park located at 165th Avenue and 98th Street.
Push to Landmark Tennis Stadium as Vote on Sale Nears
As West Side Tennis Club officials move forward with a proposed plan to sell the historic West Side Tennis Stadium, local politicians, residents and club members are fighting to preserve the iconic venue.
The West Side Tennis Stadium hosted the U.S. Open from 1923 to 1977. The 15,000-seat stadium was deemed too small to continue hosting the event, which was moved to Flushing Meadow. The stadium also hosted several famous concerts including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra and The Who.
The stadium is owned by the West Side Tennis Club, which also operates 38 tennis adjacent courts. In an effort to revitalize the area, club officials entered an agreement with Cord Meyer Corporation to build approximately 70 condominium units on the site. The sale of the property would reportedly give the West Side Tennis Club between $9 and $10 million. Club members are expected to vote on the proposal on September 23.
Cord Meyer’s tentative plans include renovating the exterior walls of the tennis stadium and building the apartment complex within the walls. This type of development is not unprecedented: old coliseums in Rome were used in this way, according to Anthony Colletti, Chief Operating Officer of Cord Meyer. Furthermore, the chief architect of the project stud- ied in Rome and understands how to build these types of structures.
Some club members are not thrilled with the proposed project, which was depicted in renderings issued by Cord Meyer. “It’s quite modern,” said Christine Schott. “It’s not in keeping with traditional Forest Hills Garden guidelines.” Schott added that the proposed condo development looks more like something in Fort Lauderdale than Forest Hills.
The Forest Hills Garden Association, which has jurisdiction over some of the land the stadium covers, has strict guidelines on what can be done on its property. Schott explained that even repainting a house can be cumbersome because the exact same color must be used.
Colletti contends Cord Meyer met with the Forest Hills Garden Association, and they accepted their tentative plans.
Members were also displeased with how this entire situation arose. One club member questioned the decision to enter an agreement to sell the stadium to Cord Meyer before asking members if they wanted to sell. There were also concerns over how the Tennis Club board negotiated their agreement with Cord Meyer.
Colletti understands if club members may have felt “kept in the dark” during their negotiations with the West Side Tennis Club, but he points out that everything is still in the tentative stages. “There’s nothing to even talk about without approval,” he said. “We didn’t want to waste [anyone’s] time.”
Colletti feels there has been a lot of “misinformation” about the sale of the stadium and Cord Meyer’s plans for the apartment complex. “We feel if people know all the facts, the vast majority of people will favor it.”
Still, with such a historic stadium facing extinction, there are many who are looking for ways to preserve it. One possible way to save the stadium is to have it landmarked. Last week, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D- Kew Gardens), City Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D- Forest Hills) and Senator Toby Ann Stravinsky (D- Flushing) urged the city Landmarks Preservation Commission to study whether the stadium should receive landmark status.
“The West Side Tennis Stadium has been a longtime fixture in the Forest Hills community,” said Koslowitz. “We need to make sure that we explore all possible avenues in relation to landmarking, as we owe it the residents of the community.”
Weiner questioned why club members are the only people who have a say in what happens to the stadium. “The future of this historic stadium should be decided by the whole community,” Weiner said. “That is why we’re making sure that all possible options are explored.”
Colletti questioned whether the Landmarks Commission would grant landmark status to an old deteriorating building. He doesn’t believe the stadium could support many other options, arguing that it is too small to hold large-scale events and too big to operate as a small-scale venue.
Cord Meyer officials say they understand the stadium is an iconic structure in Queens, and wants to preserve as much of the stadium’s history as possible. A museum within the apartment complex to celebrate the tennis and concerts that were held at the stadium was proposed.
West Side Tennis Club members would also receive many benefits from the new complex. Cord Meyer intends to build a state of the art spa, health club and indoor pool that will be available for use to members.
“It’s a win-win for everyone,” Colletti said.
Aqueduct Could Feature Video Table Games
Aqueduct Race Track is creeping closer to receiving video lottery terminals, and perhaps, electronic table games. The state Senate and Assembly both agreed last week to approve Genting New York’s proposal to revitalize the Ozone Park venue.
The proposal, which included an upfront $380 million payment to the state, was well received by local leaders and community members. Genting’s original plans include more than 4,500 slot machines, but it now appears that electronic table games may enter the mix.
“The Lottery believes the inclusion of elec- tronic table games will allow our casinos to be more competitive with other casinos in Pennsylvania, Atlantic City and Connecticut,” said Jennifer Givner, spokeswoman for New York Lottery. Electronic versions of table games such as roulette and baccarat are expected to be installed at Saratoga Springs. If successful there, the games will be installed in other New York racinos including Aqueduct.
The New York Constitution prohibits casino table games, but New York Lottery contends electronic versions of some games constitute games of chance, which are legal.
Last year, New York Lottery unveiled its plans to include electronic table games without the approval from the state. At that time, Senator Frank Padavan, a fierce critic of gambling, wrote to Gordon Medenica, Director of New York Lottery, “It is clear to me not only would such a decision be ill conceived and certainly unconstitutional but evidence of a total disregard of prior court decisions.”
Medenica replied that New York Courts specify that electronic table games are legal as long as the game is predominantly decided by chance. In Dalton v. Pataki in 2005, the courts ruled a versions of casino games can be a video lottery if it obeyed five rules: “(1) a player must give a consideration to enter the game; (2) winning outcomes must be determined by chance; (3) a prize must be awarded for winning plays; (4) tickets must be used to represent the players’ wages; and (5) the game must be designed for multiple players.”
With this decision, Medenica believes New York Lottery can install table games without approval from the state, and it would be perfectly legal. Medenica asserted that an electronic version of roulette would be no different than lotto: “All bets are based on guesses of where a ball tumbling over a wheel will land, no different than balls tumbling in a drum in a Lotto game drawing.”
The proposal, which included an upfront $380 million payment to the state, was well received by local leaders and community members. Genting’s original plans include more than 4,500 slot machines, but it now appears that electronic table games may enter the mix.
“The Lottery believes the inclusion of elec- tronic table games will allow our casinos to be more competitive with other casinos in Pennsylvania, Atlantic City and Connecticut,” said Jennifer Givner, spokeswoman for New York Lottery. Electronic versions of table games such as roulette and baccarat are expected to be installed at Saratoga Springs. If successful there, the games will be installed in other New York racinos including Aqueduct.
The New York Constitution prohibits casino table games, but New York Lottery contends electronic versions of some games constitute games of chance, which are legal.
Last year, New York Lottery unveiled its plans to include electronic table games without the approval from the state. At that time, Senator Frank Padavan, a fierce critic of gambling, wrote to Gordon Medenica, Director of New York Lottery, “It is clear to me not only would such a decision be ill conceived and certainly unconstitutional but evidence of a total disregard of prior court decisions.”
Medenica replied that New York Courts specify that electronic table games are legal as long as the game is predominantly decided by chance. In Dalton v. Pataki in 2005, the courts ruled a versions of casino games can be a video lottery if it obeyed five rules: “(1) a player must give a consideration to enter the game; (2) winning outcomes must be determined by chance; (3) a prize must be awarded for winning plays; (4) tickets must be used to represent the players’ wages; and (5) the game must be designed for multiple players.”
With this decision, Medenica believes New York Lottery can install table games without approval from the state, and it would be perfectly legal. Medenica asserted that an electronic version of roulette would be no different than lotto: “All bets are based on guesses of where a ball tumbling over a wheel will land, no different than balls tumbling in a drum in a Lotto game drawing.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
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